Have you been taking Adderall to manage your ADHD symptoms? If yes, then there is more to a stimulant with this drug. Many individuals have been using this prescribed medicine as drugs and the complications are multi-faceted. The side effects of taking Adderall are more than the temporary bliss that it gives you.
In this blog, we are going to discuss the side effects of Adderall, how it affects Non-ADHD individuals, and its connection with bowel movements. So, if you are someone who is prescribed Adderall for their mental health condition, then this blog is for you.
How Does Adderall Affect Your Body? Long Term Effects
Adderall is a drug that stimulates the production of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. These are neurotransmitters in the brain that calm and relax you, so you can focus better. They also affect sleep differently. This may be why this medication causes fatigue in some people but not in others.
Studies show that 2 to 4 percent of children taking this medication experience decreased energy and fatigue. This rate is 6 percent in adults.
This will help maintain good sleep. Some steps will help you sleep better. This can be very tiring. You should do the following:
- You should go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
- Do not drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages.
- Do not eat too much before going to bed.
- Exercise.
- Do not watch TV or use your smartphone 30 minutes to 1 hour before bed.
- Make the room dark and quiet.
Does Adderall Make You Poop?
Adderall has the potential to cause you to urinate and even cause diarrhea.
One of the side effects of Adderall is increased anxiety or depression. These strong emotions can disrupt a person’s mind-body connection and cause belly breathing. This includes the surprise that you have to leave now.
The first dose of Adderall releases amphetamines into the body, which can lead to fighting or fighting. They may cause different reactions in the body after the first wear. This includes the rapid digestion period, which is part of the parasympathetic or “relax and digest” system.
Doctors may also prescribe Adderall in the morning with breakfast. Sometimes taking your medication and eating (and perhaps drinking coffee, which is a stomach stimulant) will cause you to feel your bowel movements increase.
What Happens When A Non-ADHD Person Takes Adderall?
People without ADHD or similar conditions may experience unwanted Adderall side effects when taking this medication, such as:
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Sleepy
- Problems speaking clearly
- Difficulty in falling asleep or staying awake
- Vision problems
- Fever
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Depression
Effects Of Adderall On Your Body
How long Adderall stays in the body ultimately depends on many factors. Generally, Adderall’s half-life is 9 to 14 hours. The term “Adderall half-life” refers to the time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from the user’s body. However, sometimes this process takes longer.
Factors that affect how long Adderall stays in the body are:
- Frequency of use
- Medications
- Metabolism of the user
- Liver and Kidney Function
- Hydration Levels
Before a person starts taking Adderall, it is important to talk to their doctor to understand their likelihood of dealing with the condition. Adderall abuse has many side effects. People who continue to use these medications and do not seek professional help have a higher risk of death.
Alternatives That You Can Consider For Adderall
If you’re not sleeping well after making some lifestyle changes, you should talk to your doctor. Changing your dose may help. You can also try other ADHD medications such as Ritalin or Dexedrine. They may not affect you in the same way. Other options include:
Non-stimulants, such as Strattera and Qelbree, are selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs). They increase levels of norepinephrine, an important chemical messenger for emotions.
Hypertension medications such as Intuniv and Kapvay are other non-stimulant medications approved by the FDA to treat ADHD.
Important Precautions While You Are Taking Adderall
When speaking with your doctor, it is important to disclose whether you have a history of the following conditions:
- Adderall is an addictive drug, which means it can be easily abused. People with a history of alcohol or drug use are more likely to develop this condition.
- People taking Adderall have had a heart attack, arrhythmia, or stroke (although this is rare). This poses a high risk for people with a history of heart disease.
- People taking Adderall sometimes experience an increase in blood pressure. If you have a history of high blood pressure, you may not be prescribed or monitored closely.
- Adderall use can cause symptoms and mental illness in some people.
- Adderall is also not suitable for pregnant women because it can cause premature birth or other pregnancy problems.
Adderall And Its Withdrawl
These are different side effects. Withdrawal symptoms may occur only after you stop taking the drug. Side effects may occur while using.
If you use Adderall for a long time or use it incorrectly, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms after you stop taking it:
- Depression, irritability, or other mood changes
- Sleep problem
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
Sometimes, the symptoms of stimulant withdrawal can cause you to feel hungry or dizzy. Again, this condition is more common in people who do not use the medication as directed. These symptoms will show up to 2-3 days to weeks when after you stop consuming them. But if there is a long history of dosage, then the withdrawal may take longer than weeks.
Sum Up
Adderall has many gastrointestinal side effects, including making you more irritable. Some interactions with other medications may affect the effects of Adderall. If you are prescribed Adderall, tell your doctor about all the medications you take.
If you’re not sure whether your digestive problems are related to Adderall, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine whether your symptoms are caused by your medication or something else. But do not take any medicine without a prescription or practice any kind of drugs.
References
- Adderall. (2007).
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/011522s040lbl.pdf - DrugFacts: Stimulant ADHD medications: Methylphenidate and amphetamines. (2014, January)
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/stimulant-adhd-medications-methylphenidate-amphetamines
